A. Z. Hilali (Expert on International Relations): We can say that the briefing of DG ISPR was like a routine and showing traditional pattern of informing the masses about what is going on and what are the ground realities which is the matter of most concern as compared to anti-state or anti-government propagandas. The people are not looking at real issues and real matters which are going on.

With reference to Azm-e-Istehkam, the DG ISPR is quite right that this program is a comprehensive counter terrorism campaign, and it is not a military operation as it is being cooperated by the people. People have to understand the matter and understand why there is a dire need of this operational and why military is at the back of this program to operationalize this whole thing. I think all this matter is wrongly compared by the society who have not been given a real pictured to why there is a dire need of Azm-e-Istehkam.

It is ok if there is Aman March anywhere in the country and people are talking about that there is no need of the operation. I hundred percent agree that even Azm-e-Istehkam will not bear its fruits until people are not participating in it. The participation of people is like an integral part in war or any kind of operation. In the past many operations were a success because of the participation of the people. And people have given their good backing and support to these operations. The army need that support again as DG ISPR talk about that Azm-e-Istehkam will not move or march against the people and it will be not without the people participation. This operation will not be operationalized without the support, command and advises of the people.  

I think we have to review the National Action Plan which was launched very aggressively lately. After the operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, Azm-e-Istehkam should not face any observation or lack of a spirit. This operation must succeed according to the desires of the state, society and the system. Without security in the country, there is no economic prosperity, freedom or a progress. For the economic and political stability, people have to cooperate for this operation, we have to understand the features of this program and people need not to worry that this program could disturb them. The basic purpose of this program is to create peace in the society. When peace prevails, harmony will come and people will live in tranquility and peace of mind in the society.

Dr. Ahmed Saeed Minhas (Defense Analyst): The press briefing of DG ISPR was very important and a need of the time. Last month operation named Azm-e-Istehkam was intended to be launched. It could be said that it is a continuity of Zarb-e-Azb but it is covering a new spectrum from kinetic operations, non-kinetic operations and multi prong operations covering social economic development, anti-terrorism operations, ending elements involved in creating dangerous and illegal spectrums like business of non-custom paid vehicles, illegal properties and smuggling and the operation also aimed at securing western borders of the country which were made as soft borders. But irony is this that some political elements and local people there who may be are involved in illegal smuggling business of billions of rupees gave it a new political look and launched a propaganda against the efforts to create national solidarity and narrative. Wrong perception was developed among the people like perception was given that may be this is a new operation launched against the PTI government in KPK.

If this press conference was made a month earlier, than such elements of misconceptions could have been avoided internationally. DG ISPR today also said that such press conferences will be held regularly so there is no room for anti-state elements who could create a wrong perception that there is a vacuum due to political instability which could be used for terrorist activities and damaging the public trust for institutions. Army, like Press Information Department of political government, should use ISPR for talking to the people to avoid misconceptions.

To stop terrorist activities from across border, Pakistan have two options to deal with such elements involved in these activities, kinetic and non-kinetic operations. Kinetic operations could result in limited wars, so Pakistan should resort to first non-kinetic operations and try to resolve the issues politically. Recently there was misunderstanding between Pakistan and Iran which was resolved bilaterally.